Modular display case



April 1967 D. E. NELSON 3,316,041

MODULAR DI S PLAY CASE Filed April 15, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet l A ril 25, D. E. NELSON 3,316,041

MODULAR DISPLAY CASE Filed April 15, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 25 M67 D. E. NELSON 3,316,041

MODULAR DISPLAY CASE I Filed April 15, M964 I 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 W 1957 D. E. NELSON 3,316,041

MODULAR DISPLAY CASE Filed April 15, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 A rfl 25, W67 D. E. NELSON MODULAR DISPLAY CASE 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 15, 1964 A ril 25, 1967 D. E. NELSON MODULAR DISPLAY CASE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 15, 1964 United States Patent 3,316,041 MODULAR DISPLAY CASE Donald E. Nelson, Statesville, N .C., assignor to Kewaunee Technical Furniture Company, Statesville, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed Apr. 15, 1964, Ser. No. 359,983 Claims. (Cl. 312-140) My invention relates to a cabinet structure and more particularly a modular display case of the type as used for museum display or exhibit cases, and also wherein the panels thereof may match movable or contoured walls such as used in museums for directing the flow of visitors to the various museum displays.

The invention has generally among its objects a basic design for a modular display case of this type which provides great flexibility and adaptability to many types of cases for display use which may be achieved through the unique structure of the modular display case.

A further object is a modular display case wherein the frame structure has been accomplished through the use of an extruded aluminum vertical frame and horizontal frame members which provide structural strength for the display case as Well as permitting flexibility of arrangement in the assembly of one or more display cases in typical assembly which may be accomplished with a minimum of structural frame members and panel components therefor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a modular display case construction which may be used as a single modular display case, assembled into a double modular display case and wherein it is relatively simple to develop a large modular display case assemply through several basic steps and wherein a modular display case assembly may be converted into various interior arrangements that may be readily obtained by adding or moving panel components.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel method of developing a large modular display case assembly through the use of simple vertical and horizontal frame members and component panels wherein one may start with a basic cross-shaped frame upright including an upper frame and/or light box and adding a back panel, a finished side panel, a front glass panel and a case bottom and/or bottom frame structure and bottom panels therefor to which may be added cross-shaped vertical frame members together with a light box and/or horizontal frame members; and to which may be added a back panel, a front glass panel and a case bottom and/ or bottom horizontal frame and bottom panels. In this method of assembly there may be further added two crossshaped vertical frame members, together with a light box and/or upper horizontal frame structure and then there may be added a back panel, a case bottom and/or bottom frame structure and bottom panels, together with a front glass panel. This assembly may be further continued by the addition of two cross-shaped vertical frame members or uprights, together with a light box and/or upper horizontal frame structure. To complete such assembly there may be added a back panel, a case bottom and/or bottom frame structure and bottom panels therefor, a front glass panel and a finished end panel to complete the assembly. In this method of erecting a modular dis play case assembly interior variations may be obtained by adding two interior side panels and bringing forward a back panel, e.g., of the third modular display case in order to change the depth of one or more of the modular display cases in any modular display case assembly.

In order to accomplish the various objects of the invention, it is preferred to use the structural advantages made available by the use of the cross-shaped vertical frame members and the cross-shaped horizontal frame members,

together with horizontal frame structures such as that of the light box used with this modular display case in order to provide a modular display case which is available in many sizes, e.g., twelve sizes, wherein the modular display cases are of varying lengths and widths and always of the same standard height of seven feet, eight inches though other heights may be used.

Still another feature of the invention is that regardless of size of the modular display case, it is fabricated from a relatively small number of component parts such as the cross-shaped vertical and horizontal frame members which may be in the form of cross-shaped horizontal frame members so that the modular display case may always be shipped and/or stored, knocked down.

Still another feature of the invention is that in assembling the modular display case, assembly is simplified by the use of the cross-shaped vertical and/or horizontal components and wherein considerable flexibility is achieved.

In order to accomplish the various objects and features of my invention, it is preferred to fabricate a modular display case comprising a structural frame including symmetrically formed cross-shaped vertical frame members and spaced top and bottom horizontal frame members, wherein the top and bottom horizontal frame members may be cross-shaped horizontal frame members. In this preferred construction, the cross-shaped horizontal frame members at their respective ends are complementally formed to vertically spaced symmetrical locking means formed in the cross-shaped vertical frame members for interlocking the horizontal frame member to the vertical spaced frame members to provide vertically spaced bottom and top horizontal frames for a bottom wall structure and in which a light box structure may be provided at the top of the display case and adapted for illuminating the interior of the display case. In order to affix the cross-shaped vertical frame members and cross-shaped horizontal frame members together, it is preferred to use bracket means operatively afiixed horizontally at each juncture of the horizontal and vertical frame members in the erected position of the display case. Vertical spacing of the horizontal frame members and horizontal spacing of the vertical frame members is accomplished through predetermined spacings forming areas for detachably positioning component end panels and front and rear panels and certain of said areas between said horizontal frame members for detachably mounting window sashes and a rear closure panel for the display case, and wherein the other of said end and front areas above and below the horizontal frame members are adapted for detachably mounting component closure panels therefor for completing the modular display case. Certain of said horizontal frame members may be formed in predetermined lengths for the width of the display case and others of said horizontal frame members may be formed in predetermined lengths for the lengths of the display case, and the vertical frame members may be formed in predetermined lengths so that a modular display case is provided for availability in different sizes of varying lengths and widths and of the same height for longitudinally assembled modular display cases.

There are many other objects and advantages of the cabinet construction herein shown which will be obvious to those familiar with the fabrication of cabinet constructions and/ or modular display cases of this type and especially modular display cases which must be fabricated for assembly with a minimum of component: parts for storage, shipping and erection.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the typical assembly of modular display cases of my invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in cross-section taken along line of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrow;

FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 33 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating a corner molding assembly;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating an end panel construction, corner molding assembly at the rear of the modular display case and a front corner assembly illustrating the hinged window sash construction;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, partly in elevation taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows and illustrating a juncture of a horizontal frame member and a vertical frame member for mounting the wood floor and lower end wood panel, a front lower wood panel and a window sash panel component;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, partly in elevation taken along line 6-6, looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating a similar construction to that of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a typical front or rear view of a preferred form of the structural frame of the modular display case of my invention;

FIG. 8 is a typical end view of a preferred embodiment of the structural frame of the modular display case of my invention;

FIG. 9 is a typical top view of a preferred structural frame of a modular display case of my invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 7, partly in elevation illustrating the juncture of contiguous horizontal frame members with a vertical frame member at the upper end thereof;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the connection of the horizontal frame members to a vertical frame member;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the lower horizontal frame members for the detachmerit of panels afiixed to a corner vertical frame member;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 1313 of FIG. 7 looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the juncture of the lower horizontal frame members and frame for the panels at a corner vertical frame member;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a leveling device for detachably aflixing to the bottom end of a cross-shaped vertical frame member for leveling the modular display case;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a cross-shaped vertical frame member illustrating the spaced slots for assembling the cross-shaped horizontal frame members and the hole spacing for affixing accessories and component panels of the finished modular display case;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the cross-shaped vertical frame member of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 1717 of FIG. 15, looking in the direction of the arrows of the hole spacing at the top and bottom ends of the cross-shaped vertical frame members;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along the lines 1818 of FIG. 15, looking in the direction of the arrows of the slot arrangement at the upper and lower ends of the crossshaped vertical frame members to which the complementally formed locking means of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members are affixed;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 1919 of FIG. 15, looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the counter-sunk holes of the crossshaped vertical frame members;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 15 looking in the direction of the arrows of the four holes at the bottom portion of the crossshaped vertical frame members;

FIG. 21 is a view in elevation of a cross-shaped horizontal frame member;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the cross-shaped horizontal frame member of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2323 of FIG. 22 looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the counter-sunk holes in the crossshaped horizontal frame members;

FIG. 24 is a vertical view of the latching means at each end of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view partly in elevation through a front edge of another embodiment of the modular display case of my invention illustrating a light box, a hinge panel therefor for affixing a window sash in position within a window sash opening provided by spaced crossshaped vertical frame members and other horizontal frame sections, and also illustrating the cabinet and a lower wood panel front;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of a window sash construction and a cross-shaped vertical frame member and complementally formed latching means for assembling the window sash construction to a vertical frame; and,

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a modified form of cross-shaped vertical frame member, a window sash construction and seal therefor between the window sash construction and a leg of the vertical frame member and an extruded aluminum corner cap for completing the ornamentation of the modular display case.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a modular display cabinet assembly 5 such as preferably used for museum equipment is illustrated as being formed from several modular display cases 6, 7 and 8. The modular display cabinet 7, eg., is smaller than case 6, and the modular display case 8 is substantially double the size of case 7, but each of these display cases has certain elements thereof, eg., a vertical frame member 9 similarly formed as a cross-shaped aluminum section, together with other modular components of varying lengths and widths but wherein the heights are preferably 7'8. The modular display cases are available, eg., in twelve different sizes. However, regardless of the size, the modular display case is made of a relatively small number of component parts so that each modular display case may always be shipped and/or stored knocked down, and wherein assembly of the modular display case is simplified by the use of the cross-shaped vertical components and in a preferred form by cross-shaped horizontal components such that considerable flexibility is achieved.

With the modular display case of my invention, it is therefore possible to fabricate single modular display cases, double modular display cases which may be assembled back to back when the modular display cases are the same size or they may be assembled from different sized modular display cases into a typical assembly such as shown. It is also within the scope of this invention that a modular display case assembly, eg., in erecting a 24/ assembly from 8' long modular display cases and substantially 3' in width, one may star-t with a basic cross-shaped vertical frame member including a light box construction 10 and add a back panel 11, a finished side panel 12, a front glass panel 13 and a case bottom 14. The case bottom 14 may be fabricated from individual front and bottom panels 14a and individual bottom end panels 14b. In order to make a 16' assembly, e.-g., one may add two additional cross-shaped vertical frame members 9, together with an additional light box 10. If one would modify the length, rather than making two 8' sections, he could use smaller panel components such as illustrated in FIG. 1. Then the proper back panel might be added, the front glass panel and case bottom as well to complete, e.g., the- 16 length assembly.

In order to fabricate, e.g., a 24' modular display assembly he would then add two additional cross-shaped vertical frame members 9 plus the proper light box 10. In order to complete a 24 display assembly one can add another back panel, a case bottom and front glass panel for an 8' section as was originally started. In order to complete a 32' length modular display case assembly, one can add two additional cross-shaped vertical frame members 9 plus the preferred length of light box 10, and then the necessary back panel, case bottom, front glass panel and finished end panel can then be added. If one desires interior variations (not shown) one may add two interior side panels and bring the back panel of the third case, e.g., forward. Another arrangement or other arrangements will suggest themselves for the particular use of the display case assembly desired and the modular display cases from which the display case assembly is fabricated.

In a 32' modular display case such as described with reference to FIG. 1, fabricated from four modular display cases 8' long, it is preferred that the height of the assembly shall be 7'8, and in this particular assembly the Width is 3'. The Window sashes are preferably 5'6 high and the case bottom 1'6" high, and the light box 8" high. The light box 10 is preferably formed with ventilating louvers in the top and it may serve as the top frame. If desired each window sash may be hinged along a vertical edge and the window sash may be formed to receive tab sash positioners of the case bottom front panels. The window sashes are preferably mounted but not hinged on the tab sash positioners and are locked in place by a top finish panel hinged to the light box construction and the top finish panel locks a viewing panel in place. For entrance to the top light box for servicing of the light fixtures therein, a suitable latch may be used or, if desired, the top hinge panel may also be atfixed in place with suitable securing screws which may be detached when it is found necessary to service the light box.

In the modular display case assembly of FIG. 1, the Window sashes .1'3, 13 and 13 may be suitably hinged or held in place with tab sash positioners or other forms of suitable securing means such as the top finish panel of the different sized light boxes 10, 10 and 10''. Back panels 11, 11a may be used to complete the arrangement of FIG. 1 and floor panels 15, 15 may complete the bottom of the display cases, and the sizes of the bot tom panels depend upon the sizes of the display cases making up the display case assembly. Case bottom ends 1412 may complete the bottom case bottoms and finish side panels 12 comprising a window sash or a solid panel as desired may complete the ends of the cabinets as assembled. 'If desired, solid panels may be used at the junction of successive panels to complete the display case assembly or glass panels may be used such as the side panels 12, and also, if desired, these intermediate pauelswhether of glass or solid modular components, may be left out to havea modular display case assembly without any interfering intermediate panels.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a preferred form of leveling device 16 in order to properly level the display cabinets, whether used as a single modular display case, a double modular display case or a typical modular display case assembly such as described so that each of the display cases forming an assembly or the like may be properly aligned vertically and horizontally. The leveling device 16 preferably comprises a bottom portion .17 substantially square'shaped and complementally formed to contiguous flanges 18 of a cr-ossshaped vertical frame member 9 permitting the bottom edges of the flanges 18 to be supported by the bottom portion '17. To prevent lateral movement of the leveling device 16 with respect to the respective contiguous flanges-18 at 90 apart, vertical extending members 19 are formed as shown and abut the contiguous faces of the flanges '18 6 to which the vertical extending members .19 are affixed by screws 20 extending through holes 21 into threaded engagement with threaded holes 22 provided at the bottom of the two contiguous flanges 181 as illustrated. If desired, the threaded holes 22 may be placed in each of the four flanges since the leveling device is symmetrical and may be positioned between any two contiguous legs .18, with the recess 23 receiving the juncture of the four flanges in the assembled position of the leveling device. A threaded boss 24 adjustably receives a hexagonal headed leveling screw 25 which may be provided with a screw slot 25 and permits either adjustment by a Wrench engageing the hexagonal head 25" or adjustment with a screw driver engaging the slot 25'. Therefore, it is evident that a simple leveling device has been provided to be aflixed to any two of the flanges of a cross-shaped vertical upright permitting ease in leveling of each of the modular display cases alone or assembled together in multiple units.

Referring to FIGS. 25, 2 6 and 27, there is illustrated an embodiment such as described above as illustrated in FIG. 1 and further described with respect to the erection of modular display case assemblies. Referring to FIG. 25, there is illustrated a typical sectional view of an assembly including a light box 10 and cross-shaped vertical frame members 9 which include the flanges 18 at right angles to each other. At the upper end of the modular display case 5, the light box '10 may comprise the upper frame members 27 and the lower frame members 28 and the cover portion 29 which may be either detachable or integrally formed with the member 27 and also includes ventilating louvers (not shown). The frame members 27 and 28 may be suitably formed to be affixed to the front and rear vertical uprights 9, or if desired the light box may be suitably formed from sheet metal as a channelshaped frame to which may be aflixed a ventilated access panel for inspection of the lights within the light box. If fabricated in this manner, a top finish panel 30 may be suitably hinged by separate hinges 31 or an equivalent piano-type hinge to the upper frame member 27 or to the front frame of the light box which is formed with an upper ventilated access panel 29. The hinged top finish panel 30 may be latched in place to the front channel-shaped frame, for example, of the light box '10 which may serve as the top frame by a suitable lock affixed to the top finish panel and which extends through, for example, the front channel-shaped frame of the light box to engage the back of the panel to suitably latch the hinge panel in place. If, for example, the top finish panel 30 is formed from wood or other panel material, it may be aflixed to a cross frame 31 by suitable securing means 32', e.g., a cabinet-type machine screw in threaded engagement with an upper flange 32 of a T-shaped cross frame member 31. In this embodiment of FIG. 25, the hinge top front panel permits access to the light box though, however if a channel frame is used for the light box and if the top front panel is preferably formed from sheet metal to match the other panels the front panels then may be locked to the front channel-shaped portion of the light box which serves as a top frame and access to the light panel being through a top ventilated access panel, or a front opening.

Referring to FIGS. 25, 26 and 27, a Window sash 33 is aflixed to a flange 18 of the cross-shaped vertical frame member 9 by spaced tab sash positioners 34 on a flange 18' of a cross-shaped horizontal frame member 35. -In this embodiment of FIG. 25, the tab sash positioners are formed from round stock including an upper stud portion, a stop portion and a threaded end complementally formed to a tapped hole 36. Suitable numbers of these tab sash positioners may be used to maintain the window sash in its assembled position in the panel opening for the panel component and/or window sash 33. The tab sash positioner is complementally formed to a drilled opening 37 in the horizontal portion of a peripheral extruded aluminum frame 38. Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the

peripheral frame 38 is provided with a T-shaped extruded slot 39. The stem 40 of the T is in the form of a longitudinal slot entering the cross portion 41. The T-shaped slot 39 extends about the entire periphery of the window sash 33 and at right angles to the T-shaped slot 39 is a recess 42 in which is mounted a blanding or U- shaped gasket 43 preferably of neoprene or other suitable gasket material to seal the peripheral edges of the glass window 44 of the panel component 33 in place and to prevent breakage thereof.

To suitably afiix the window sash 33 to a flange 18 of the vertical and horizontal legs of the respective vertical and horizontal frame members 9 and 3 5, a studshaped locking means 45 is complementally formed to be detachably aflixed in the T-sh-aped slot 39 as ilustr-ated in FIGS. 26 and 27. The stud-shaped locking means 45 has a portion 45' to engage a face of the cross of the T- shaped slot 39 and a cylindrical portion 45" which extends through the stem 40 of the T-shaped slot 39. A detachable securing means in the form of a countersunk screw 46 detacha'bly affixes the stud-shaped locking means 45 to a flange 18", FIGS. 26 and 27. A cylindrical slot 47 complementally formed to the portion 45 of the studshaped locking means 45 permits the window sash 33, after the bottom frame of the window sash has been set over the tab positioners 34, to enter the cylindrical slot which may be formed in each vertical frame of the window sash so that the portion 45 enters the recess or cross 41 of the T-shaped slot. As the window sash is lowered in position on the tab sash positioners 34, the window sash 33 is held in place with a portion 45' engaging the face of the T-shaped slot 39, as shown in FIG. 27. If necessary the stud-shaped locking means may be loosened as the window sash 33 is being positioned in place upon the tab sash positioners 34, after which the securing means 46 may be aflixed in place securely positioning the frame of the window sash against the vertical flanges of the vertical frame members as shown in FIG. 27. Referring to FIG. 25, the top finish panel 30 when aflixed in place with the securing means 32 prevents any vertical detachment of the window sash 33 until such time as it is desired to remove the window sash 33 by detaching the securing means 32' and raising the finish panel 30 upwardly and detaching the window sash 33 in the reverse order as described above with respect to the assembly of the window sash in position.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 1, in order to complete the front corner ornament if desired, the conventional crossshaped vertical frame member 9 of FIG. 1 may be extruded as shown in FIG. 27 with oppositely positioned recesses 48 at the outer end of each of the vertical legs 18", and if desired in the extrusion of the vertical frame member 9', the outer flanges 18 may be formed with a rounded edge 49. To complete the corner at the junction of the front panel and side panel or end panel, an extruded aluminum corner cap 50 formed with inturned ends 51 to be complement-ally received in the respective recesses 48 as illustrated in FIG. 27 with a suitable spring fit may be provided. If desired these extruded aluminum corner caps 50 may be only placed on the front corners of a single modular display case or on the front end corners of a double modular display case or on the front end corners of the triple modular display case such as illustrated in FIG. 1. If the modular display cases are positioned so that the back of the cabinets are not visible, the extruded aluminum corner caps may be left off. However, if the modular display cases as assembled are viewed from both sides with front and rear window sashes rather than only a front window sash and a back closure panel without a window, the extruded aluminum corner caps may be assembled to the respective corner cross-shaped vertical frame members. However, since it is preferred to anodize the vertical frame members, it is also within the scope of the invention that the extruded aluminum corner caps may be omitted if desired,

or other forms of corner molding assemblies may be used as will be described later.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7-13, and 15-24, there will be particularly described the preferred embodiments of my invention utilizing both cross-shaped vertical frame members and cross-shaped horizontal frame members in the construction of a support frame for the attachment of the component panels completing the modular display case and the joint construction for the assembly thereof, together with the construction for the assembly of the wood floor panel, the front and end wood panels, the back wood panel and an ornamental corner detail. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a particular vertical joint construction between two contiguous modular display cases, together with the component panels such as an intermediate panel and two hinged component panels all of which are of a typical window sash construction, will be particularly described. At the juncture of the crossshaped vertical frame member 9 at the front as illustrated in FIG. 2 and at the rear of the display case and spaced below the lower end of the vertical frame members 9 are cross-shaped horizontal frame members 35 which support a wood floor 52 in each of the adjacent modular display cases 14 and 14a of FIG. 1 and the wood floor 52 may be of laminated plywood as illustrated in FIG. 25. The lower horizontal frame members 35 may be affixed together by a bottom frame construction 53 as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 25 formed from front and rear channel members 54 and side channel members 55. The contiguous ends of the channel members 54 and 55 are spot welded together at 56, FIG. 12. The bottom frame 53 is preferably constructed from the steel channel-shaped members 54 and 55, whereas the vertical frame members 9 and horizontal frame members 35 are preferably extruded from aluminum cross-shaped sections. The lower frame member including the front cross-shaped horizontal frame members 35 and the side cross-shaped horizontal frame members 35', together with the steel frames are secured at the next higher assembly by wood screws 57 which fasten into wood front panels 58, FIGS. 5, 6 and 25, and wood screws 59 which fasten into lower wood end panels 66, FIGS. 5, 6 and 25. The wood screws are preferably No. 10 Phillips, F. H. wood screws. The wood floors 52 and 52' of FIG. 2 and that corresponding to the floor panels 15, 15, FIG. 1 are cut preferably to fit between the front and rear cross-shaped vertical frame members and the cross-shaped horizontal frame members 35 and 35 to provide the necessary wood flooring of each of the modular display cases 13, 13' and 13" providing the modular display cabinet assembly 5 of FIG. 1 or of any other suitable arrangement of modular display cases. If desired, the various floor panels may be suitably affixed to the horizontal flanges of the horizontal frame members 35 and 35', together with the bottom frame 53 by suitable securing means (not shown) or merely set in place.

Referring to FIG. 2, the component panels, respectfully the front glass panel 13, 13 of FIG. 1 and an intermediate panel 33b are similarly formed as the window sash 33 described with reference to FIG. 25 Each of the window sashes 33a, 33a and 33b of FIG. 2 is similarly constructed as the window sash 33 of FIG. 25 to include the glass windows 44, 44' and 44a for the respective size of panel opening of the particular window openings of the modular display cases of FIG. 1, as an example. Each of the extruded peripheral frames 38, 38" and 38a differ from the extruded peripheral frame 38 of FIG. 27 in that the peripheral frames of FIG. 2 are formed with an extruded recess 39 which extends from a face of the frame to receive preferably No. 6 Phillips Undercut F.H. sheet metal screws 61 as shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the vertical flanges of the horizontal frame member 35, as an example, are provided with countersunk holes 62 to receive the countersunk portions of the No. 6 /8" Phillips Undercut F.H. sheetmetal screws '61 whenever necessary to thread into the extruded slot 39. As shown in FIG. 6, the countersunk holes 62 are in alignment with holes 62' in the frame member 53 to which are threaded the wood screws 57 and 59. The bulbous extruded recess 39' is of such a width that the Phillips sheet metal screws 61 are self-tapping and the bulbous portion of the recess 39' provides clearance for the end of the screws as they are aflixed to the respective extruded peripheral frame 38. Referring to FIG. 25 there has been illustrated the extruded recess 39' in comparison with the T-shaped extruded slot 39. Referring to FIGS. 2, 25, 26 and 27, the extruded peripheral frame members 38 are formed with an extruded recess 42 at right angles to the extruded recesses 39 and 39' to complementally receive a U-shaped :banding or gasket 43 of neoprene for sealing the respective glass windows 44 of FIGS. and 6, corresponding to the windows 44, 44 of FIG. 2 and 44a of the intermediate panel between the contiguous modular display cases 6 and 7 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 6, 25, 26 and 27, the construction for the window seals of the glass panels or finish side panels 12, front panels 13, 13 and 13" and intermediate panels or window sashes 33b is substantially the same and similar and/ or prime reference characters have been used to indicate the same or similar parts. Likewise the seals for the respective window sashes in the vertical flanges of the vertical frame members 9 are substantially the same and the same or prime reference characters will indicate the same or similar parts. Referring to FIG. 26, a window sash 33 has the extruded peripheral frame 38 formed with a peripherally extending groove 63 in which may be placed a suitable gasket 64 to seal the Window sash 33 with respect to the vertical flange of the vertical frame member 9 to which the window sash is aflixed. The gasket is substantially tubular in shape and may be extruded o-r fabricated to have enough resiliency when compressed to effectively seal the periphery of the Window sash being mounted in its respective opening. Similarly in the construction of the window sashes 33a and 33a of FIG. 2 and the corresponding window sashes 33a of FIG. 5 and 33a of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the respective extruded peripheral frame members are formed with peripheral grooves 63' for the reception of similarly formed gaskets 64' to effectively seal the various Window sash panels in their respective frame openings. Although the construction for sealing the various window sashes as described above is preferred since the gaskets 64 and 64 are respectively locked in their respective openings 63 and 63' so that they do not fall out of the respective sashes in erecting and dismantling the window sashes from their frame openings, it is also within the scope of the invention that if desired peripheral gaskets may be arranged at the juncture of contiguous flanges of the vertical frame members and horizontal frame members forming the window openings and the window sashes erected thereagainst though obviously a more effective seal is provided in the preferred form as illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 there is illustrated a preferred form of binge construction for hinging the front panel of a modular display case and for hinging the respective front glass panels 13, 13 and 13" of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates the hinging of the panel 13 of FIG. 1 and the construction for locking the hinged panel 13 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 illustrates a similar hinge construction as that of FIG. 2 for hinging the respective panels 13 and 13'. Since the front glass panels are of the same height, similar piano hinges 65 are erected preferably on the left vertical leg 18 of the similarly formed crossshaped vertical frame members 9 which provide for the mounting of the vertically hinged front glass panels 13 and 13' of FIG. 2. The left side of the extruded peripheral frame 38" of FIG. 2 and 38' of FIG. 4 is formed with a vertically extending recess 66 to which one flange 65 of the piano hinge 65 is affixed by a suitable number of machine screws or metal screws 68, and the other hinge portion is also similarly aflixed to its respective abutting flange 18 by similar machine screws or metal screws which may be self-tapping in respective holes provided in the extruded peripheral frames and legs of the vertical frame members to which the screws are affixed either by self-tapping or corresponding tapped holes therefor if machine screws are used. The screws 68 are suitably staggered so that the respective screws for the opposite hinge portions of the hinge do not interfere. The vertically extending recess 66 for each Window sash is of such depth to permit the recess 63 for the gasket 64 to not be effected. In order to latch the hinged sashes, e.g., 13, 13 and 13" in place in their respective window frame openings when the window sashes are closed, suitable oval head or machine head countersunk screws 69, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, may be inserted through suitably drilled holes to provide the necessary clearance and extending through the bulbous slot 39' as shown in FIG. 2 to be threaded into the flange 18 of the cross-shaped vertical frame member 9 preferably as shown in FIG. 1 at the right corners of the respective Window sashes 13, 13' and 13". However, to prevent unnecessary warping of the extruded peripheral frame members of the window sash, intermediate screws 69 may be placed in the upper and lowr portions of the peripheral frame, e.g., with respect to the window sashes 13 and 13, and for the larger window sash 13", e.g., FIG. 1, two or more screws 69 may be placed in the upper and lower portions of the peripheral frame to extend through the respective extruded slots 39 in the horizontal portions of the peripheral frame and in threaded engagement with the respective vertical flanges of the horizontal frame members 35. Also if necessary, one or more screws 69 may be extended through the Vertical slots 39 of the respective window sashes and aflixed to the contiguous leg 18 of a crossshaped vertical frame member 9 of the respective window sashes as described with reference to FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 there is illustrated a preferred form of ornamental corner construction for the exposed corners of a single modular display case, those of a double modular display case back-to-back and the exposed corners of the ends of end display cases forming a modular display case assembly such as illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the ornamental corner construction may be assembled as will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. If desired the ornamentation of the flanges of the vertical frame members is such in view of the fact that the vertical frame members are formed from extruded aluminum anodized to have any desired color the ornamental corner construction such as that as described with reference to FIG. 27 and will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 may be desirable to have to match, e.g., contoured walls used in conjunction with the modular display case assemblies when they are used in museums and other instances where it is desired to have a corner ornamentation of the display cases and assemblies thereof. In this preferred corner ornamentation, extruded aluminum tubular members 70, slightly smaller in cross-section than the lengths of the contiguous flanges 18 at right angles to each other of the cross-shaped vertical frame members 9 forming the corners being ornamented. The ornamental tubular members 70 may be suitably afiixed to the contiguous flanges 18 by suitable No. 6% long Phillips RH. (undercut sheet metal screws) 71 complementally formed to the countersunk holes 72, suitably spaced in the flanges 18 of the vertical frame member 9, and which may be self-' tapped into aligned holes 72' correspondingly spaced as the countersunk holes 72. Referring to FIG. 3, at each end of a display case to which the ornamental tubular member 70 is mounted, an angle-shaped bracket 73 is formed having a downturned flange 74 of .suflicient length to contact the upper end of the vertical flange 18 of the vertical framemember 9, and the other flange is provided with a downturned end 75 which extends across a top edge of a flange 18 of the vertical frame member 9 and also across the thickness of the extruded tubular member 70 to engage an inner face thereof, and is of such length as to prevent detachment when affixed in place by a Phillips head self-tapping No. 10 wood screw 76, long, F.H. which is affixed to the top end wood panel 77 which may be of laminated plywood and having a suitable exterior finish of veneer or the like to match the other wood panels used for the corresponding top, and end panels of the modular display cases forming an assembly, e.g., such as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 4, the back laminated wood panel 11 which may be of plywood having the inner face thereof formed with a veneered surface to match the veneered faces of the exposed faces of the other veneer panels of the display cases assembled, is affixed by No. 12 1% long, F.H. Phillips sheet metal wood screws 78 suitably spaced and extending through holes 79 to be self-tapping through similarly spaced countersunk openings 80 in the corresponding vertical flange 18 of the vertical frame member 9. The arrangement of the holes 80 is such that each vertical frame member 9 is similarly formed so that the respective back panels of each modular display case may be similarly affixed to the corresponding countersunk holes 80 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, there is illustrated in FIG. 7 a typical front or rear view 81, in FIG. 8 a typical end view 82 and in FIG. 9, a typical top view 83. FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13 taken along the various sections as identified particularly in FIG. 7, illustrate the typical junctures between vertical frame members 9 and front and rear, bottom and top, cross-shaped horizontal frame members 35. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is illustrated-connected together, the cross-shaped vertical frame member 9 with the bottom and top cross-shaped horizontal end members 35. Referring to FIG. 9, a transverse member 84 suitably aflixcd to the lower frame member 53 may be used and may be in the form of a 'flat strip of aluminum, angular or channel-shaped, and if desired may also be fabricated from steel as well as aluminum. If desired, a similar transverse member may be used to tie the top frame members together and also if desired, in the larger type modular display cases two or more of these braces may be used as desired. Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, each of the vertical frame members at the upper and lower ends is formed with symmetrically arranged slots 85 in each of the flanges 18 of the cross-shaped vertical frame members 9. The arrangement of the slots 85 in each of the vertical frame members 9 will be more particularly described later with regardto the details of the frame member 9, as will also be described the details of the horizontal frame members 35 and 35', the ends of which are complementally formed to operatively engage certain of the slots 85 in the erected position of the horizontal frame members 35 and 35' with respect to the vertical frame member 9.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is identified typical dimensions A for the spacing of the centerlines of the vertical members 9 to form a typical end view, and in FIG. 7 a typical dimension B of the centerlines of the vertical frame members 9 to form a typical front or rear view. In FIG. 8 there is also illustrated a typical dimension C of the centerline of the bottom horizontal frame members 35 and 35' fro-m the bottom ends of the frame members 9 and a typical dimension D of the spacing between the upper frame formed by the horizontal frame members 35 and 35' and the lower frame formed by the frame members 35 and 35'. The standard height of the vertical frame members 9 is preferably 92". Typical display case frame assemblies corresponding to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 having the dimensions A, B, C and D may have respectively for the eight different frame members, typical A-24", 24", 36", 36", 24", 24", 36", and 36; typical B48, 60", 48", 60", 48", 60", 48" and '60";

12 typical C--18, 18", 18", 18", 36", 36", 36", and 36"; typical D-66", 66", 66", 66", 48", 48", 48", and 48". A typical display case frame assembly would therefore require for each different size, four cross-shaped vertical.

frame members 9 of the same height for all sizes of display cases, four cross-shaped frame members 35 for the top and bottom, front and rear cross-shaped horizontal frame members, and four cross-shaped horizontal frame members 35' for each display case frame assembly, and for the different widths and lengths of display case frame assemblies, different sizes of the front and rear horizontal frame members, both top and bottom are required as well as different sizes of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members for the end members and variations of the size of the display case frame assembly may be made by varying either the length keeping the end horizontal frame members the same or the width keeping the front and rear horizontal frame members the same so that in any assembly of modular display cases one may have the same width of a display case but wherein the length may be the same or varied to suit conditions as required, as may the widths be varied depending upon the size of the display case required for display case assemblies, though it is preferred to have widths, e.g., 24", 36" and lengths in standard 48" or 60", although there may be variations as necessity requires.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 10 and 11, the joint assembly of the vertical frame member 9 and horizontal frame members 35 and 35' is affixed to each other by a right angle brace member 86 having the flanges 86' and 86" being four in number and preferably afiixed to the respective flanges 18 as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 4 by four countersunk x A" RH. No. 10 32 machine screws 87 though if desired, Phillips head screws 87" may be used as shown in FIG. 4. In assembling respective horizontal upper frame members 35 and 35' to their respective vertical frame members 9, the latching means similarly formed at each end of the cross-shaped front and end horizontal frame members 35 and 35 are identical and engage the symmetrically arranged slots 85 of the flanges 18 contiguous to the horizontal frame member ends and the vertical frame member 9 is locked to the horizontal frame members 35 and 35' by the right angle brace member 86 when secured in position by the machine screws 87, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 11. The upper corners of the horizontal upper frame provided by the frame members 35 and 35' at each juncture with its respective vertical frame member 9 is identical and firmly aflixed is the upper frame members 35 and 35' to the upper ends of each of the vertical frame members to provide a rigid support, e.g., a light box 10 which has been previously described above with' regard to FIGS. 1 -and 25.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 and 7, the lower horizontal frame members 35 and 35 are similarly aflixed to the respective lower ends of the vertical frame members 9 but instead of using the right angle brace members 86, the bottom frame 53 formed from the front and rear channel members 54 and side channel members 55 which are welded together as at 56, FIG. 12, and are similarly aflixed by machine screws 87 to the lower flanges 18 of the horizontal frame members 35 and also to the lower flange 18 of the horizontal frame member 35 at each juncture of the frame 53 to the respective flanges of the horizontal frame members. The vertical flanges 18 of the members 35 and 35' are comp'lementally threaded at 87' to receive the machine screws 87 as described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Referring to FIGS. 1520, a typical cross-shaped vertical frame member 9 is illustrated wherein the upper end is shown at the left of FIGS. 15 and 16 and the bottom end of the vertical frame member is at the right of the figures. Typical sections, FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20, are taken along the respective lines identified by figures in FIG. 15 to illustrate the typical arrangement of the holes so that a symmetrically formed cross-shaped vertical frame erably diameter. The four lower holes as shown in FIGS.

scribed with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and the slots 85. The distance from the 18 at right angles to the flange in which the formed.

' the leveling device are spaced from the contiguous 18 at right angles to.the. leg 18 in which the holes are 13 member is: formed providing a single frame member which may be used foreach corner of a modular display case such as described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, and also the construction at the juncture of the horizontal frame members with the vertical frame members in FIGS. 10, 1'1, 12 and 13. The sectional views, FIGS. 17-20 are illustrated with respect to the vertical axis YZ and the horizontal axis W-X as viewed looking in the direction of the arrows of the respective sections identified in FIG. 15. Referring to FIG. 16 and viewed from the right of FIG. 16 looking toward the end of the cross-shaped vertical frame member, the axis W-X becomes the vertical axis and the axis YZ becomes the horizontal axis. The standard length of the cross-shaped vertical frame members 9 is 92" though it is within the scope of the invention that other heights of display cases may be fabricated using my disclosure without departing from the invention.

The six holes 80 spaced as shown for the top end taken along lines 17-17 and also illustrated in FIG. 17 are prefin diameter with the 82 countersunk to and 16 are also of the same size. However, referring to FIG. 16, the D holes will be later described with regard to, the A and B and C' holes and spaces and D holes and spaces for two different vertical part numbers for different cases. Referring to section 1818 of FIG. 15 with respect to both the upper part and the lower part of the frame member, the rectangular slots 85 in each flange 18 or two per web with a total of eight are substantially 0.125 x 0.343" to receive the latching means 85"of the upper andlower cross-shaped horizontal frame members 35 for the front and rear upper and lower horizontal frame members 35 as described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 and also the upper and lower and crossshaped horizontal frame member 35 as similarly de- 9. The holes 80 at the upper end are respectively positioned /1 from the top end and spaced 3% apart and the lower set of holes 80 at the upper end are spaced from the top edge of top end of the vertical frame member to the bottom of the top slots 85 is preferably 85'. The countersunk holes 80 are preferably on a centerline /s" from the face of a contiguous flange holes are Referring to FIG. 19 taken along line 19-,-19 of FIG.

1S four countersunk holes 91 are formed 0.169" in diameter formed with an 82 countersink and countersunk diameter. The preferred spacing will be described later with respect to the number and spacing of r the holes.

Referring to FIG. 20 taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 15 there is illustrated four holes 92, in diameter. Referring to FIG, 16 the centerline of the holes 91 is from a face of the flange 18 at right angles to the leg in which the holes are formed. The holes 92 are drilled on a centerline /2" from the face of the flange 18 at right angles to the flange in which the holes are drilled. The

holes 91 are spaced on a center-line 3" of the slots 85 and the centerline of the bottom holes 91 are placed 3" above the top edge of the lower slots 85. The centerline in the holes 92 is spaced /2 vertically below the lower edge of the slots 85. Holes 22 are drilled and tapped for a No. 8 32 screw for detachably assembling 16 as illustrated in FIG. 14. The centerline of the hole 22 vertically is preferably 4" from the bottom end of the frame member 9 and the holes 22 vertical face of the flange from the lower edge placed preferably The bottom holes 80 are pref- Referringlt-o the dimension s A, B, C and D, e.g., to

.part members is 10, 14, 10, 14, 18 and 22.

eight holes 12 inches apart. The D" preferred part numbers which have the A' dimensions 66" and 48 respectively, the B dimensions are respectively 18" and 36". With respect to C holes and spaces, the number of holes for the first part is preferably six on the side, and for the second part, eight on the side and equivalent spaces for the first part are five at 12" and the second part four at 10 /2". With respect to D holes and spaces, the number of holes with respect to the first part is three holes and the second five and the equivalent spaces with respect to the first part-two at 5%, and the second part four at 7 Referring to FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 a typical cross-shaped horizontal frame member 35 for the top and bottom and front and rear frame members will be described which is also similar to the top and bottom end cross-shaped horizontal frame members 35'. Referring first to FIGS.

'23, 21 and 22, the countersunk holes 93 are formed with a No. 18 (0.169") drill with an 82 countersunk and countersunk to diameter. The holes 93' at each end are preferably spaced 1 /2 in from the end of the horizontal frame member and the respective spacings of the other holes 93 will be described later with respect to the dimensions B", C" and D. These holes 93 are on a centerline with respect to the face of the contiguous flange in which the holes are at right angles at a distance of W Holes 87 spaced 1 /8" from each end and 1 apart of the horizontal frame members 35, FIG. 21, are drilled and tapped for a No. 10 32 screws 87 as described in connection with FIGS. 10 and 11 for the right angle brace members 86 for affixing contiguous horizontal frame members together through the respective vertical frame members to which the ends of the horizontal frame members are interlocked to their respective slots with the 'complementally formed latching means 85' of the hori zontal frame members. The tapped holes 87' are located on a centerline from the face of the flange 18 at right angles to theflange in which the holes 87' are positioned.

Referring to the dimensions A", B", C" and D", the various dimensions with respect to six different horizontal frame members will be set out. The dimensions A" with respect to the six part numbers are respectively 23%", 35%", 47%, 59%, and 119 /8". The A" dimensions 23 /8 and 35 /8 would compare with end horizontal framemembers wherein the centerlines, e.g., of FIG. 8 would be 24" and 36". The A" dimensions 47%", 59%", 95 /8" and 119%" would compare with the spacing of the vertical frame members 9 respectively for 48", 60", 96" and 120", widths of modular cases can be made with horizontal part members having the above dimensions. The B" dimensions for the six horizontal frame members are respectively 5 5 11 5 11 and 11 The total number of holes respectively for each of these six horizontal The C" spaces with respect to the number of holes and spacings are respectively two holes six inches apart, four holes six inches apart, two holes 12 inches apart, four holes twelve inches apart, six holes 12 inches apart, and dimensions for the six horizontal frame members are respectively 12", 24", 24", 48", 72 and 96".

Referring to FIGS. 21, 22 and 24, the complementally formed latching means formed at each end of the horizontal frame member 35 to the slots 85 of the vertical frame members 9 is preferably formed by notching three of the flanges to form the respective ends 95 of the legs 18 back 71 from each outer end of the horizontal frame member 35. The latching means 85 is substantially Ma" thick corresponding to the thickness of each of the flanges 18 and is 0. 343" long extending inwardly from each end of the horizontal frame member 35. A recess 96 is of the same depth of each latching means 85 and the length thereof is the difference between and the length 0.343" of the latching means 85. The length of the recess 96 cor-responds, referring to FIG. 18, to the material 96 between the outer end of each slot 85 and the edge of the respective leg 18 in which slots 85 are formed, and as taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 15. It is to be understood that it is within the scope of the invention that certain manufacturing tolerances of from to A are permitted for fractional dimensions of FIG. 24 and from 0 to 0.005 with respect to the decimal dimensions of FIG. 24.

Referring to FIG. 25, it is to be understood that it is within the scope of the invention that the wood panel 5 8 at the bottom of the display case and the top panel 30, e.g., may be of metal and if of metal the top panel corresponding to that of the top panel 60 may be fabricated from sheet metal and suitably ornamented and to be hinged as is the wood top panel 30. Similarly it is within the scope of the invention that a corresponding metal front, bottom panel may be substituted for the wood panel 58 and would have tab sash positioners 34 formed from the metal. It is also within the scope of the invention that various forms of light boxes may be used such as described with reference to the light boxes 10, .10 and 10" of FIG. 1 which may be suitably affixed to the top of each modular display case and may include a suitable access panel which is provided with ventilating louvers or it may take the form as described with reference to FIG. 25 in which the opening to the light box through the front hinged opening 30. Also it is evident that other forms of light boxes suggest themselves within the scope of the invention. It is also within the scope of the invention that other forms of securing means than the screws 69 may be used to affix the hinged window sashes in place and if desired suitable latches may be used. It is within the scope of the invention that different light box packs may be used to complete a modular exhibit case system with regard to the methods of exhibit case illumination. One light box pack is provided with a plain glass top; another form of light box pack may have two fluorescent light tubes and a. diffuser pan; while a third which is known as a color-balance light pack is a combination of properly balanced light effectively eliminating color distortion and therefore achieves a close proximity to natural daylight within the exhibit case in conjunction with a specially treated diffuser glass which filters out the infra-red and V ultraviolet lights.

With respect to the glass front doors, all 4 and 5' glass front doors are furnished with continuous side hinge and lock as has been particularly described above. The large 8' and 10' glass front doors are all furnished with pin hinges and locks. It has been found desirable because of the weight of an 8' or 10 glass front door, e.g., a 10- glass front door substantially slightly over two hundred pounds, that when opening one of these doors it is necessary to use a roller door dolly which is directly assembled to the un hinged vertical extruded peripheral frame of the glass front door. This roller door dolly preferably comprises a vertical support having an adjustable means for latching into a hole provided in the vertical edge of the extruded peripheral edge and the lower substantially U-shaped bracket in which the bottom corner of the extruded peripheral frame is positioned and secured in place to a suitable securing means preferably in threaded engagement with a threaded hole provided in the edge of the glass front door. The roller door dolly preferably comprises a substantially triangular- :shaped tubular frame having depending legs in which are swivelly mounted swiveling casters. The roller door dolly of this type provides support for substantially onehalf the weight of the glass front door, the other half being supported by the hinge therefor which may be either a continuous side hinge such as a piano-type hinge or suitable pin hinges.

The wood finish panels of the type of exhibit pieces as described are removable. With removable panels of this type when and if an exhibit case is moved and/ or the display changed, it is possible to change the characteristics of the case to correspond with the new display simply by changing the wood panels. The three stand ard types of wood preferably used for the wood panels are oak, maple and walnut. All the panels as used with the display case of this invention are preferably lumber core plywood with oak, maple or walnut veneer. With respect to the various sizes of the constructions going to make up the various size modular display cases of my invention, it is preferred that light boxes are of metal in sizes 4 x 2, 4' x 3', 5' x 2' and 5' x 3'. A display case of 8' in length would use two 4' light boxes depending upon the width-whether 2' or 3', and a 10' modular display case would use two 5' long light boxes 2' or 3' wide depending upon the width of the display case. The vertical support frames are preferably of extruded aluminum as described above 1%" x 7'8" x 1%". The front glass panels are preferably aluminum framed as described above with respect to the aluminum extrusion using A plate glass. The front glass panel sizes are preferably 4' x 5'6, 5 x 5'6", 8 x 5'6" and 10' x 5'6". The side glass panels are also preferably aluminum framed with A" plate glass in sizes 2' x 5'6" or 3' x 5'6". The top finish panel is preferably of veneer in sizes 2' x 8", 3 x 8", 4' x 8" and 5' x 8". The bottom finish panels of veneer are preferably 2' x 1'6", 3' x 1'6", 4' x 1'6" and 5' x 1'6". The bottom support brackets are preferably of steel and may be formed channel-shaped in crossse ction as described above and the sizes thereof are 4' x 2'. 4' x 3, 5 x 2' and 5' x 3'. With the bottom support bracket it is also within the scope of the invention to use an intermediate center brace between the ends. A support leg of extruded aluminum preferably used only on 8' and 10 cases is 1%" x 8" x 1%" or 1%" x 1'6" x 1%. This is a center support leg and has the upper end formed with a latching means complementally formed to engage a corresponding slot in the front and rear cross-shaped horizontal frame members for 8' and 10' cases. For these larger size cabinets or display cases two intermediate braces may be used for the bottom support frame. The finish end panels are preferably of veneer 2' x 5'6" and 3' x 5'6". The case bottom panels are also veneer preferably 4' x 2', 4' x 3', 5' x 2' and 5' x 3' depending upon the display case size. The back finish panel is preferably of veneer-4' x 5'6" and 5' x 5'6". In the larger 8', 10' long display cases two of these 4' or 5' panels are used depending on whether the display case is 8 or 10' long. An intermediate panel either at an end of a modular display case or between display cases in an assembly thereof is also preferably of wood veneer in sizes 2' x 5'6, 3' x 5'6" and 4' x 5'6". The horizontal support frames are of extruded aluminum in the following sizes: 1%" x 2' x 1%",1%" x 3' x1%",1%" x 4' x1%",1%" x 5' x 1%", 1%" x8 x 1%" and 1%" x 10' x 1%". The preferred vertical corner molding is of extruded aluminum x 7'8" x From the above it is obvious that a simple list of component parts of standard size is available for the many different sizes of single cases, for the adding of cases to a single case for completing an assembly and various modular sizes of single cases available in three depths 2', 3', 4', single case size 4 and 5' for adding a case 4' and 5 in length and available in three depths 2', 3' and 4'. Modular sizes are also available in single case 8' and 10' lengths in three depths of 2', 3 and 4" to which there may be added cases of 8' and 10' in length similarly available in three depths 2, 3' and 4.

It is also within the scope of the invention that various interior kits of various types are available for any modula-r exhibit case. In interior kits the panels are available in three types-corkboard, pegboard and monks cloth. Two' types of glass shelf kits are available-either walltype and back panel and one all-glass case. The num- Of. shelves is four and the wall type are available in 16" and 22" depth and in an all-glass case the number of shelves is four--22" in depth. The glass shelves with brackets are available perferably four shelves-18 x 6" and 24"x 6". With the modular display case of this invention mannikin cases could be formed such as for displaying armor or other types of wearing apparel which may be considered as fragile and necessary to completely enclose. Mannikin cases of this type may be 31% x 7'8" x 31%. Library cases 18" deep are available in 51%" x 7'8" x 17%" and provided with shelves for displaying rare manuscripts and books. This is a typical size but it may be available in all case sizes. Typical museum variations are obtained with the modular exhibit case system of this invention. A typical variation is a modular display case assembly using one single case and two additional cases. Any combinations of these display cases may create a variety of exhibit case arrangement. Also by adding a case it is possible to have complete, free, interior space thereby achieving complete interior flexibility. Not all museum displays require large exhibit areas and as an example, the height of the exhibit area from the case bottom to the lights is '6". Other display cases may use the same modular case with the exception that the exhibit area is 4' in height. This variation is typical of the many possible combinations with modular component parts.

The modular display case of this invention permits a complete line of educational exhibit cases consisting entirely of modular component parts. These educational exhibit cases may be in the form of through-the-wall exhibit cases which may be available in four sizes, as an example, and can be used effectively in the wall between corridor and classroom. Trophy cases are also available in four sizes for the display of educational and athletic trophies and awards. General exhibit cases are available in four sizes and this type of modular display case, havinginterior shelves and a front glass door the other sides being paneled, may be used in all areas where educational exhibits are needed such as school museums, science exhibits, homemaking displays, and arts and crafts exhibits. The modular display case of this invention is adapted for the fabrication of glass shell cases of various sizes, exhibitwall cases including shelves and the com ponents of this invention are further adapted for the construction of art pedestals of various sizes.

Other forms of modular display cases which may be formed with my invention are, e.g., a recess wall exhibit case which is constructed of aluminum and wood and has an aluminum framed front panel with A" thick polished plate glass. The front panel is hinged at the side for easy access and has a lock on top and bottom and dust-proofed with foam rubber gaskets. The shelves are of thick polished plate glass or A" thick as desired and are divided for easy adjustment. The shelves are preferably adjustable on 1" centers. Fluorescent light fixtures with a switch are provided at the tOp of the case. The light fixtures are completely shielded from the closed exhibit area. The top front wood panel is hinged for easy light access, since this type of wall case is recessed either in prior recesses for cabinets or the walls are furred to receive the case of this type. It is also within the scope of the invention that two or more recessed wall exhibit case of this type may be recessed into a wall and height of opening required for installation of these cases is 7'8 and length of opening is determined by quantity of cases involved. The modular display case when used with installations of this type is constructed to meet existing conditions and is within the scope of this invention.

Wall and center exhibit cases may be formed by the modular display case of my invention. For example, a wall exhibit case may have a side hinged front panel, glazed with A thick polished plate glass, with lock on bottom and top. The case is constructed as described with reference to the recessed wall exhibit cases and in- 18 cludes plate glass shelves. Fluorescent light fixture andlamps therefor with switch is provided at the top of the case. The top front wood panel is hinged for easy light access.

The wall exhibit case is similar to the above described side wall exhibit case with the exception that side panels are wood in lieu of glass.

A center exhibit case is constructed similar to the wall exhibit case except that it is double-sided, center type of display case. The center partition of such a doublesided center type of display case is wood and may be finished as desired. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a center exhibit case similar to the center exhibit case described above with the exception that the side panels are wood in lieu of glass.

Island exhibit cases may be formed in accordance with the disclosure of my invention. An island exhibit case of this type has preferably four separate display areas. Each area has a side'hinged front panel glazed with A1" thick polished plate glass with lock on bottom and top. The display case is similarly constructed of aluminum and wood as the others with suitable gaskets for dustproofing the front panel. Divided /8 thick plate glass shelves are adjustableon 1 centers. The back panel is of wood and maybe suitably finished in the color desired. Fluorescent light fixtures with switches are provided at the top of the case. The light fixture is completely shielded from the closed display area. Also the top front wood panels are hinged for easy light access.

With regard to the various modular display cases as described and with the various light box. packs the wiring for the light box packs to convenience outlets is provided by using, referring to FIG. 4, the tubular member 70 has a raceway for the B-X'cable or other forms of light cable wherein suitable holes are drilled through the vertical frame member 9, referring to FIG. 4 and through the tubular member 70 so that the light cable may be threaded, e.g., from the bottom of the display case through the bottom hole through the vertical member 9 and the tubular member 70 up through the tubular member 70 to a similar hole formed in the upper end of the tubular member 70 and the upper end of the vertical frame member 9 at the diagonals thereof into the contiguous corner of the light box 10. Suitable switches may then be provided at the top of the case at the most convenient location for the attendants to control the lighting in each modular display case or in any of the modular display cases, and wherein there may be individual control in the lighting of each modular display case or in all of the modular display cases of an assembly. i

It is also Within the scope of this invention thatthe extruded aluminum vertical and horizontal frame members, the ornamental extruded aluminum tubular corner members, extruded aluminum corner caps and the extruded peripheral frame members of the window sashes and glass door of each modular display case may be suitably. anodized for the preferred colors desired, although it is preferred to have colors of these extruded aluminum components in any oneof six to eightcolors provided by Duradonic finish of Aluminum a similar Kalcolor finish of Kaiser Aluminum Co. The weights, e.g., of the extruded vertical and horizontal frame members are substantially within the range of 0.5# per linear foot and the weight per linear foot of the extruded peripheral frame members of the window sashes and doorframe is substantially 0.8# per linear foot.

The modular display case of this invention is particularly advantageous in the formation of modular exhibit case systems especially wherein the complexities of todays modern museums require that museum exhibit cases beadapted for any type usage within the museum. The modular display case of this invention and the usages described comprises a complete system of interchangeable modular component parts to provide the user a building Co. of America or by block arrangement by which to develop and design exhibit case assemblies. In order to conform to the modular component part system of this invention, an exhibit case must be functional to display specimens in the most dramatic and effective manner. With a modular display case of my invention the prime functional use of exhibit cases may be created from the modular components thereof. The modular case system of my invention by the use of the component parts may offer exhibit cases to all types of museums meeting all of the necessary functional requirements. The modular exhibit case system of my invention is flexible in that it comprises twelve modular sizes, utilizing forty-three component parts. With this modular exhibit case system there are over eight hundred and fifty possible variations from these twelve sizes and the adaptation to almost any display use is achieved through the unique construction of the modular component parts of the modular display case of my invention. The modular exhibit case of my invention may be easily asembled and disassembled; an exhibit case or a whole assembly may be moved, stored and transported. Additional cases may be added to an exhibit case with no difficulty, flexibility achieved by using additional cases as described above. All of the features required for good museum displays may be obtained by the modular display case system of my invention. For example, the assembly of a case consists of attaching the four cross-shaped vertical uprights to the top and base frames as described which would include the basic structural necessities. All of their components may be added to the case, light box, back, side and front panels are not required in the structural frame of the complete case. Therefore, complete flexibility of display adaptations is achieved. Because the modular exhibit case of my invention is very simple to construct, the cost is low. When special exhibit cases are required, the component parts are interchangeable and available from stock providing a considerable saving. The use of stock component parts makes it possible to furnish special cases only slightly higher than the cost of a standard case.

It is to be understood that the single modular display case, double modular display case and modular display case assemblies as described before may be varied to suit the needs of a museum, e.g., for displaying various exhibits for the needs of others who require display cases of this type which may be readily and simply fabricated from a minimum of parts, readily stored and assembled and later disassembled to be further erected in other assemblies as the needs arise. The various dimensions for the various parts, epecially those with respect to the vertical and horizontal frame members are exemplary only and other dimensions for various size of cabinets are obviously within the scope of this invention.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A modular display case comprising a structural frame including symmetrically formed vertical frame members and spaced symmetrical top and bottom horizontal frame members, said vertical and top and bottom horizontal frame members being cross-shaped in crosssection, said top and bottom horizontal frame members at the respective ends complementally formed to vertically spaced symmetrical locking means formed on the vertical frame members for interlocking the horizontal frame members to the vertically spaced frame members providing vertically spaced bottom and top horizontal frames for a bottom wall structure and a light box structure disposed at the top of the display case and arrang to illuminate the interior of the display case, bracket means operatively affixed horizontally at each juncture of the horizontal and vertical frame members for affixing the frame members in the erected position of the display case, vertical spacing of the horizontal frame members and horizontal spacing of the vertical frame members at predetermined spacings forming areas for detachably positioning component end panels and front and rear panels, certain of said areas between said horizontal frame members for detachably mounting window sashes and a rear closure panel for the display case, the other of said end and front areas above and below the horizontal frame members detachably mounting component closure panels therefor for completing the modular display case, certain of said horizontal frame members formed in predetermined lengths for the width of the display case, others of said horizontal frame members formed in predetermined lengths for the length of the display case, and said vertical frame members formed in predetermined lengths, so that a modular display case is provided for availability in different sizes of varying lengths and widths and of the same height for longitudinally assembled modular display cases.

2. A modular display case comprising a structural frame including spaced vertical frame members, a bottom support frame and an upper support frame, said vertical frame members being cross-shaped in cross-section, means for affixing the bottom support frame and the upper support frame to said vertical cross-shaped frame members providing vertically spaced horizontal frames for a bottom wall structure and a light box structure disposed at the top of the display case and arranged to illuminate the interior of the display case, certain of said areas between said horizontal frame members for detachably mounting window sashes and a rear closure panel for the display case, the other of said end and front areas above and below the horizontal frame members detachably mounting component closure panels therefor for completing the modular display case, certain of said horizontal frame members formed in predetermined lengths for the width of the display case, other of saidhorizontal frame members formed in predetermined lengths for the length of the display case, and said vertical frame members formed in predetermined lengths so that a modular display case is provided for availability in different sizes of various lengths and widths and of the same height for longitudinally assembled modular display cases.

3. A modular display case as set forth in claim 2, including a leveling device for each of the cross-shaped vertical frame members, said leveling device including a base member substantially square in shape and complementally formed to contiguous intersecting flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame member, upright flanges afiixed to the base member along contiguous edges thereof, a recess provided between said upright flanges for detachably mounting the leveling device at the bottom end of the cross-shaped vertical frame member, whereby the leveling device may be detachably affixed in any one of fOlllT positions provided by any two of the intersecting flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame members, threaded means on said base member, an adjusting screw complementally formed to the threaded means on the base member for leveling the respective vertical frame member to which the leveling device is affixed.

4. A modular display case comprising a structural frame including symmetrically formed cross-shaped vertical frame members and vertically spaced horizontal frame members, each of said vertically spaced horizontal frame members at the juncture of the legs of the crossshaped vertical frame members providing a vertical angular recess contiguous to panel components affixed to the cross-shaped vertical frame members, each of said crosssh-aped vertical frame members including a corner molding assembly, said corner molding assembly including an extruded square-shaped aluminum tubular molding complementally formed to the space between any two flanges at right angles of the cross-shaped vertical frame members, detachable means for affixing the tubular molding to contiguous flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame members, and locking means substantially L-shaped having downturned ends, one of said downturned ends extending across a flange of the cross-shaped vertical frame member at the top edge thereof and engaging a face thereof, t he other flange extending across the flange of the cross-shaped vertical frame member at right angles to the first-mentioned flange and also across an edge of the tubular molding and extending downwardly to engage an inner face of the aforesaid side of the tubular molding, and detachable securing means for aflixing the locking means to a component panel aflixed between the two flanges of the cross-shaped vertical support member over which the ends thereof extend for affixing the tubular,- s haped molding to its respective cross-shaped vertical frame member and for affixing a panel component to the same cross-shaped vertical frame member.

5. A modular display case comprising a structural frame including symmetrically formed cross-shaped vertical frame members and spaced horizontal frame members providing openings for panel components, one of said panel components being a window sash, said window sash including a peripheral frame complementally formed to the window sash opening therefor, said peripheral frame formed from an aluminum extrusion, said aluminum extrusion including a recess extruded in an edge of the extrusion, said recess complementally formed to receive a U-shaped banding complementally formed to an edge of the glass of the window sash, an extruded recess at right angles to the first-mentioned extruded recess for mounting the window glass, said second-mentioned recess permitting securing means to be detachably affixed to said recess and to a flange of the cross-shaped vertical frame member contiguous to the periphery of the peripheral frame of the window sash.

6. A modular display case comprising a structural frame including symmetrically formed cross-shaped ver tical frame members and spaced horizontal frame members providing openings for panel components, one of said panel components being a window sash, said window sash including a peripheral frame complementally formed to the opening therefor, said peripheral frame formed from an aluminum extrusion, said aluminum extrusion including a recess extruded in an edge of the extrusion, said recess complementally formed to receive a U-shaped banding complementally formed to an edge of the glass of the window sash for sealing the peripheral edge of the glass, an extruded recess at right angles to the extruded recess for mounting the window glass, said extruded recess at right angles to the extruded recess for mounting the window glass being substantially key-shaped, said key-shaped recess complementally formed to receive a complementally formed securing stud means including a web-shaped intermediate portion to engage said keyshaped recess and to abut against a contiguous flange of the cross-shaped vertical frame member contiguous thereto, and detachable means for aflixing the complementally fonmed securing means to a contiguous face of a contiguous flange of a cross-shaped vertical frame member to which the peripheral frame of the window sash is affixed.

7. A modular display case comprising a structural frame including symmertically formed cross-shaped vertical frame members and spaced horizontal frame members providing openings for panel components, one of said panel components being a window sash, said window sash including a peripheral frame complementally formed to the window sash opening therefor, said peripheral frame formed from an aluminum extrusion, said aluminum extrusion including a recess extruded in an edge of the extrusion, said recess complementally formed to receive a U-shaped banding complementally formed to an edge of the glass of the window sash for sealing such glass with respect to the peripheral frame, an extruded recess at right angles to the extruded recess for mounting the window glass, said recess permitting securing means to be detachably aflixed to said recess and to a flange on the cross-shaped vertical frame member contiguous to the periphery of the peripheral frame of the window sash, and peripheral gasket sealing means operatively mounted between a peripheral face of the peripheral frame of the window glass and a contiguous face of a flange of the cross-shaped vertical frame, and an extruded recess complementally formed to the gasket means for detachably receiving the gasket means, said recess complementally formed to the gasket means formed between an edge of the peripheral frame and the extruded recess at right angles to the extruded recess for mounting the window lass.

g 8. The combination with a structural frame including symmetrically formed cross-shaped vertical frame members providing an opening for a panel. component, said panel component including a peripheral frame complementally formed to the panel opening therefor, said peripheral frame formed from an aluminum extrusion, said aluminum extrusion including a recess extruded in an edge of the extrusion, said recess complementally formed to receive a panel therefor, an extruded recess at right angles to the extruded recess for receiving the panel, said recess permitting securing means to be detachably afiixed to said recess and to a flange of the cross-shaped frame member contiguous to the periphery of the peripheral frame of the panel, said securing means including an opening formed in a slot of the extruded recess providing a keyhole opening, and cooperable means afiixed to a flange of a cross-shaped vertical frame member and complementally formed to the keyhole opening of the peripheral frame, whereby said securing opening may receive said cooperable means permitting the peripheral panel frame'to move longitudinally with respect to an axis of the cooperable means perpendicular to a flange of the cross-shaped vertical frame member, whereupon the cooperable means is received within the recess of the peripheral frame permitting the peripheral frame to be moved vertically in either direction with respect to the contiguous face of the flange of the cross-shaped structural member to which the cooperablerneans is aflixed.

9. A modular display case comprising a. structural frame including symmetrically for-med cross-shaped vertical frame members and spaced horizontal frame members providing openings for panel components, one of said panel components being a window sash, said window sash including a peripheral frame complementally formed to the window sash opening therefor, said peripheral frame formed from an aluminum extrusion, said aluminum extrusion including a recess extruded in an edge of the ex trusion, said recess complementally formed to receive a U-shaped banding complementally formed to an edge of the glass of the window, an extruded recess at right angles to the extruded recess for receiving the window glass, said second mentioned recess permitting securing means to be detachably aflixed thereto and to the frame member contiguous to the periphery of the peripheral frame of the window sash, tab sash positioning means operatively aflixed to a horizontal frame member, openings complementally formed to the tab sash positioning means and extending into the extruded recess at right angles to the extruded recess for receiving the window glass permitting the tab sash positioning means to be' inserted therein, so that the peripheral frame is operative to be positioned against the contiguous frame members of the opening for the peripheral frame, gasket means between the frame members of the peripheral opening for the peripheral frame for sealing the peripheral frame, and a top finish panel operatively mounted at the upper end of the structural frame permitting the top finish panel to be moved vertically, and said top finish panel normally restricting vertical movement of the peripheral frame.

10. A structural frame for a cabinet structure including symmetrically formed cross-shaped frame members and vertically spaced cross-shaped horizontal frame members, means for aflixing the cross-shaped vertical frame members and the vertically spaced cross-shaped horizontal frame members, certain of said areas between said horizontal cross-shaped horizontal frame members and the respective cross-shaped vertical frame members for detachably mounting window sashes and a rear closure panel for the cabinet structure, the other of said end and front areas above and below the cross-shaped horr zontal frame member and the respective cross-shaped vertical members detachably mounting component closure panels therefor for completing the cabinet structure, certain of said cross-shaped horizontal frame members formed in predetermined lengths for the width of the cabinet structure, other of said cross-shaped horizontal frame members formed in predetermined lengths for the length of the dis-play case, and said cross-shaped vertical frame members formed in predetermined lengths so that a cabinet structure is provided for availability in different sizes of various lengths and widths and of the same height for longitudinally assembled cabinet structures.

11. A structural frame for a cabinet structure as defined in claim 10, said cross-shaped vertical frame member provided with symmetrically arranged slots in each of the flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame member at the spacing of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members, each end of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members complementally formed with latching means for engaging the respective slot contiguous to the juncture of the ends of each cross-shaped horizontal frame member to the respective flanges of the spaced cross-shaped vertical frame members to which each cross-shaped horizontal frame member is afiixed, and right angular brace means for affixing the horizontal flanges of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members at the juncture thereof with the respective flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame member to which the respective cross-shaped horizontal frame members are affixed.

12. A joint structure for a structural frame of a modular display case, said structural frame including symmetrically formed cross-shaped vertical frame members and spaced cross-shaped horizontal frame members providing openings for panel components, said cross-shaped horizontal frame members providing top and bottom horizontal frame members, said top and bottom cross-shaped horizontal frame members at the respective ends complementally formed to vertically spaced symmetrical looking means formed on each of the cross-shaped vertical frame members for interlocking the cross-shaped horizontal frame members to the cross-shaped vertical frame members providing vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frames, said complementally formed locking means of a top and bottom cross-shaped horizontal frame member having notches formed in oppositely arranged flanges of the cross-shaped horizontal frame member at each end and a contiguous flange at right angles to the notched portion of the horizontally positioned flanges formed with a key portion complementally formed to operatively engage a slot of the vertically spaced symmetrical locking means formed on the cross-shaped vertical frame members whereby in the assembled position of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members to the respective cross-shaped vertical member to which the cross-shaped horizontal frame members are affixed to form the top and bottom cross-shaped horizontal frame members, the key portions of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members at the juncture with the respective cross-shaped vertical frame members operatively engage the complementally formed slot of the contiguous flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame member to which the contiguous cross-shaped horizontal frame members are afl'lxed, and right angular brace means aflixed to contiguous flanges of the crossshaped horizontal frame members afiix the key portions of the opposite horizontal flanges of the cross-shaped frame members within the complementally formed slots, and detachable securing means for detachably aflixing the flanges of the right angular brace means to the respective horizontal flanges of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members to which the right angular brace means are affixed.

13. A joint structure for a structural frame of a modular display case including symmetrically for 'med crossshaped vertical frame members and spaced cross-shaped horizontal frame members, said cross-shaped horizontal frame members and said spaced cross-shaped vertical frame members complementally formed for interlocking the cross-shaped vertical and cross-shaped horizontal frame members together, and means for aflixing said contiguous flange portions of the horizontal frame members to the contiguous flange portion of the spaced vertical cross-shaped vertical frame members, said means for affixing the cross-shaped horizontal frame members and cross-shaped vertical frame members together comprising a rectangular frame including channel-shaped frame members aflixed together in a rectangular frame, detachable securing means for affixing each channel-shaped flange of the horizontal frame to the respective vertical flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame members and to the respective flanges of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members, certain of said flanges of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members adapted for supporting a floor construction, certain of said flanges of the horizontal frame member adapted for supporting a front lower panel, and certain of the horizontal flanges of the horizontal frame member adapted for supporting and end lower panel construction, and certain of the flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame members and certain of the flanges of the cross-shaped horizontal frame members adapted for detachably mounting end sash panel constructions.

14. A vertical frame member for a structural frame of a modular display case, said vertical frame member being symmetrically for-med and cross-shaped in cross section including four flanges apart, said flanges of the crossshaped vertical frame member upon assembly into a structural frame provide openings for panel components, said cross-shaped vertical frame member formed as an aluminum extrusion, each of the flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame member provided with vertically spaced and horizontally extending openings extending laterally substantially midway between the edges of oppositely positioned flanges, said opening complementally formed to receive a complementally formed latching means of a cross-shaped horizontal frame member adapted to extend between horizontally spaced similarly formed cross-shaped vertical frame members of the structural frame of the modular display case, and additional openings provided in certain of the flanges of the cross-shaped vertical frame members for aflixing thereto panel components and accessories to complete the assembled modular display case.

15. A horizontal frame member for a structural frame of a modular display case including cross-shaped vertical frame members, said horizontal frame member being an extrusion of aluminum and having the flanges thereof at 90 with respect to each other, said cross-shaped horizontal frame member having the same cross-section with respect to the length thereof as the cross-shaped vertical frame member, each end of the horizontal frame member complementally formed to vertically spaced symmetrically arranged openings formed on the vertical frame member for interlocking horizontal frame members through vertically spaced frame members providing vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frames for the structural frame of the display case, each end of the horizontal frame member having three flanges thereof symmetrically shorter and the flange opposite one of the shortened flanges formed with a key-shaped portion to complementally engage an opening of the vertical frame member with the outer end thereof abutting a flange of the vertical frame member and two shortened opposite flanges of the horizontal frame member abutting a vertical edge of the vertical frame member contiguous to the flange of the vertical frame member formed with the slot complementally formed to the key-shaped portion of the horizontal frame member, and the end of one flange of the horizontal frame member being in alignment with a flange of a similarly formed horizontal frame member afiixed to an adjacent flange of the vertical frame member with the two horizontal frame members affixed to the respective vertical frame member extending at right angles to each other.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 933,287 9/ 1909 Cable 3 12140 1,674,002 6/1928 Bahce 312-140 X 3,228,736 1/1966 Beckerman 312-140 FOREIGN PATENTS 132,630 7/ 1902 Germany.

3,695 1876 Great Britain. 10 571,286 8/ 1945 Great Britain. 773,274 4/ 1957 Great Britain.

CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner. 15 A. FRANKEL, Assistant Examiner.

Disclaimer 3,316,041.D0m1ld E. Nelson, Statesville, NC. MODULAR DISPLAY CASE. Patent dated Apr. 25, 1967. Disclaimer filed Sept. 9, 1968, by the assignee, Kewaunee Technical Furniture Company. Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 1, 4, 7 and 10 through 15 of said patent.

[Ofiicial Gazette June 10, 1969.] 

1. A MODULAR DISPLAY CASE COMPRISING A STRUCTURAL FRAME INCLUDING SYMMETRICALLY FORMED VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS AND SPACED SYMMETRICAL TOP AND BOTTOM HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS, SAID VERTICAL AND TOP AND BOTTOM HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS BEING CROSS-SHAPED IN CROSSSECTION, SAID TOP AND BOTTOM HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS AT THE RESPECTIVE ENDS COMPLEMENTALLY FORMED TO VERTICALLY SPACED SYMMETRICAL LOCKING MEANS FORMED ON THE VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS FOR INTERLOCKING THE HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS TO THE VERTICALLY SPACED FRAME MEMBERS PROVIDING VERTICALLY SPACED BOTTOM AND TOP HORIZONTAL FRAMES FOR A BOTTOM WALL STRUCTURE AND A LIGHT BOX STRUCTURE DISPOSED AT THE TOP OF THE DISPLAY CASE AND ARRANGED TO ILLUMINATE THE INTERIOR OF THE DISPLAY CASE, BRACKET MEANS OPERATIVELY AFFIXED HORIZONTALLY AT EACH JUNCTURE OF THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS FOR AFFIXING THE FRAME MEMBERS IN THE ERECTED POSITION OF THE DISPLAY CASE, VERTICAL SPACING OF THE HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS AND HORIZONTAL SPACING OF THE VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS AT PREDETERMINED SPACINGS FORMING AREAS FOR DETACHABLY POSITIONING COMPONENT END PANELS AND FRONT AND REAR PANELS, CERTAIN OF SAID AREAS BETWEEN SAID HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS FOR DETACHABLY MOUNTING WINDOW SASHES AND A REAR CLOSURE PANEL FOR THE DISPLAY CASE, THE OTHER OF SAID END AND FRONT AREAS ABOVE AND BELOW THE HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS DETACHABLY MOUNTING COMPONENT CLOSURE PANELS THEREFOR FOR COMPLETING THE MODULAR DISPLAY CASE, CERTAIN OF SAID HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS FORMED IN PREDETERMINED LENGTHS FOR THE WIDTH OF THE DISPLAY CASE, OTHERS OF SAID HORIZONTAL FRAME MEMBERS FORMED IN PREDETERMINED LENGTHS FOR THE LENGTH OF THE DISPLAY CASE, AND SAID VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS FORMED IN PREDETERMINED LENGTHS, SO THAT A MODULAR DISPLAY CASE IS PROVIDED FOR AVAILABILITY IN DIFFERENT SIZES OF VARYING LENGTHS AND WIDTHS AND OF THE SAME HEIGHT FOR LONGITUDINALLY ASSEMBLED MODULAR DISPLAY CASES. 